My 2001 Elantra squeals when the ac is turned on. Started a couple of days ago. My husband said the belt needs to be tightened. Sounds reasonable enough. But the mechanics charge $90 an hour and I'm still reeling from the cost of a CV Boot and oil pan replacement (dealer only item they said). How long should it take them to tighten the belt? Would this be an hour or more job?

Thanks to anyone who can respond!

 

My husband just "upgraded" his diagnosis to the ac compressor clutch. I won't be getting it fixed any time soon. It a good thing my windows go up down.

 

at 115K mines starting to be a real pig too...

just dropped a bunch on radiator and hoses after the thermostat went out and now the belts and then the struts.....

I suppose if a person maintains the car as with any car, it holds up better, but far from being free.

for the squeeling ac, I'd try a new belt they're cheap $15....
mine was squeeling really loudly and a few clunks.
when the old belt came off (after several years) the thing was about falling apart, even though the outside looked good.

good luck....